One Pirates Prospect Pushing for September Promotion

He mostly filled that role in his first three seasons with the Pirates, with just seven home runs, including none in 2025 with Double-A Altoona and six home runs with High-A Greensboro in 2024.

Jebb has made adjustments this offseason, put in some good work, and it's shown as he's introduced power into his game.

He has hit seven home runs in 33 games with Indianapolis, after hitting just seven home runs prior to Triple-A and in 288 other games.

Jebb hit his first two home runs of the season on April 23 against St. Paul (Minnesota Twins), more than 101 mph exit velocity on both and around 400 feet, finishing with four RBI in the 6-1 win.

A big hinderance in Jebb's development this season was him fracturing his thumb, requiring surgery and keeping him from playing for Indianapolis from April 26 to July 24, almost three months out.

Jebb bounced back after his injury, slashing .269/.350/.472 for an OPS of .822, with 20 hits in 108 at-bats, a double, three triples, five home runs, 14 RBI and 13 walks to 26 strikeouts.

He hit two home runs in his first two games back against Lehigh Valley (Philadelphia Phillies), one on July 24 and the other on July 26.

Jebb didn't hit a home run for almost a month, but has three home runs in his past three games, with two home runs vs. Louisville (Cincinnati Reds) on Aug. 23 and a home run vs. Columbus (Cleveland Guardians) on Aug. 26.

It's a great revelation for Jebb, who no one really expected this power output from and it would've been even better to see him healthy for the entirety of 2026 to see how he would've improved upon that.

Why Jebb Deserves Shot With Pirates

The Pirates have some tough choices this offseason when it comes to their Rule 5 Draft and who they decide to protect.

Jebb is one player who will be first-time eligible and MLB teams will definitely consider giving him a look this coming December, obviously pending a Rule 5 Draft happening with the potential lockout incoming.

The Pirates could avoid this situation earlier on and just add him to the 40-man roster now, giving him a chance to prove he belongs on the major league roster, or at least near it, going into 2027.

Jebb has mostly featured in center field the past two seasons, but the Pirates could give him a run at a middle infield spot, shortstop or second base, if they need a player there.

His power is also intriguing and how it could play at PNC Park is another part where the Pirates should try and figure that out.

Jebb projects more like a Jake Mangum style-player, versatile defender with speed and a strong contact hit-tool, but the power could separate him and make him a more desirable option for next season.

The Pirates giving Jebb a chance for that extra roster spot isn't super high, but if they continue falling further from playoff contention, then it's not a bad idea to look at the future and Jebb as a solution.